Michael Jordan, the iconic basketball player, had to pay a $5,000 fine every time he wore his signature sneakers on the court. When he first entered the NBA in 1984 as a member of the Chicago Bulls, he signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, which included a line of sneakers named Air Jordan. The NBA had a uniform policy that required shoes to be predominantly white, but Jordan’s bold and vibrant designs violated these regulations.

Despite the fines imposed by the NBA, Jordan and Nike did not back down. In fact, Nike embraced the controversy and turned it into a successful marketing strategy. They created the “Banned” campaign, highlighting the NBA’s punishment and emphasizing that fans could still wear the Air Jordans. This move generated significant attention and made the sneakers even more popular.

Nike’s gamble paid off immensely. By May 1985, they had sold $70 million worth of Air Jordans, and the Jordan brand had surpassed $100 million in revenue. The sneakers became iconic and are now considered the most famous sneakers in history.

Moreover, the controversy surrounding Jordan’s sneakers had a lasting impact on the NBA’s shoe regulations. Over time, the league relaxed its restrictions on shoe colors, allowing players to express themselves through their footwear. Today, many players have their own signature shoe deals, and sneakers have become a significant part of basketball culture, with players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Steph Curry showcasing eye-catching designs on the court.